How choose christmas gifts for people you do not like

Though you may hate someone with a burning passion, you may find yourself being forced to get them a gift. Such as your in-laws or people at work. But, it's Christmas time so just be nice and You need to release forgiveness to them. Tips to do it... 1. Obviously, you're going to want to not overspend so get them something that doesn't include a lot of thought and time but doesn't leave them thinking how crappy your gift is. So...

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America's Future

America’s Future Charles F. Stanley Scripture: Galatians 6:7-9 I. Introduction: Is it possible to predict a nation's future? Can we anticipate trends, such as blessing and liberty or poverty and oppression? I believe that a simple yet powerful biblical principle indicates where our nation is headed: You will reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow. This principle has tremendous implications for America's...

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A Financial Plan

A Financial Plan Malachi 3:3, 6-15 Dr. Charles Stanley I. Introduction—During these difficult economic times, many people are thinking about their finances. The national debt, high gas prices, and a struggling housing market are causing people to re-evaluate their financial plans. But do their plans match those of the Lord (Mal. 3: 7-15)? God’s plans are the very best, and in His Word, He has given us the wisdom we need...

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A Call To Godly Living - Charles F. Stanley

A Call to Godly Living Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 Introduction: God desires that every believer lead a righteous life. But our culture places a tremendous amount of pressure on Christians to "fit in." The doctrines of our faith are often mocked and ridiculed in the public arena. Individual believers sometimes make spiritual or moral compromises in an attempt to be accepted. How can we resist the secular influence of our time? In Romans 12:1-2,...

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Jesus Heals the Woman with Blood Issue

What can we know about this woman from these passages? She was suffering from menstruating bleeding issue for 12 years. She had spent all she had to get cured. (Luke 8: 43 (KJV) – “And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any.”) She did not give up in spite of suffering from 12 years. In Jesus, she saw hope of being healed. She was instantly healed. She felt...

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A Heart for God - Charles F. Stanley

A Heart for God Charles F. Stanley Scripture: Acts 13:16-23 I. Introduction: How would you like to be remembered? Saints such as Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul have inspired believers throughout the ages. Each of them, although imperfect, is an amazing example of what the Lord can do through hearts that are truly committed to Him. Do you want to be like them—a person who honors God wholeheartedly? II. We have an excellent example to follow....

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EVERY THINGS BETTER WHEN GOD'S ON IT

I. It Is A Better Way Of Life A. Those who give themselves wholly to the Lord, B.  Realizing the truth of I Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is inyou, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1) Have a life that is far superior  to a LOST person. (a) The best way to live is to live for theLord (b) It would be terrible to get to the endof the   LIFE and realize...

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RESPONDING TO MATERIALISM

INTRODUCTION 1. We live in a very materialistic society... a. As evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.) b. As expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle 2. Materialism is dangerous foe to the Christian... a. The deceitfulness of riches can render the Christian fruitless - Mt 13:22 b. The desire for riches can ensnare the Christian, leading him astray - 1Ti 6:9-10 3. What can we do as Christians, and...

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THE PROBLEM OF RELIGIOUS DIVISION

INTRODUCTION 1. Every disciple who follows Jesus should be concerned with unity among believers... a. In light of Jesus' prayer for unity - Jn 17:20-23 b. In light of Paul's condemnation of division - 1Co 1:10-13 2. From Jesus and Paul we learn... a. Unity can be a powerful witness to the world b. Division is often a mark of carnality and spiritual immaturity - cf. 1Co 3:3-4 3. Unfortunately, many who claim to follow Jesus... ...

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PRIVATE DEVOTIONS

INTRODUCTION 1. Great men of God were noted for engaging in private devotions... a. Isaac meditated in the field at evening - Gen 24:63 b. David prayed three times daily, meditated on his bed at night - Ps 55:17; 63:6 c. Daniel's custom was to pray three times daily - Dan 6:10 2. Private devotions is encouraged by the Son of God... a. Jesus sought solitary places at early morn and late night - Mk 1:35; Lk 6:12 b. He...

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Principles of Church Growth

INTRODUCTION 1. The Lord desires for His church to grow... a. He provides gifts to ensure spiritual growth and development - Ep 4:11-16 b. He provides increase through our connection with Him as the head - Col 2:19 2. Yet church growth is not automatic... a. Some churches become stagnant b. Other churches enter a downward spiral till they cease to exist [To avoid either of these catastrophes, there are two important principles...

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Healing the Hurts of Life

  Background: John 11:10-18I. Pain Is a Universal Experience (vv. 19-20)Some pain is physical, the result of injury or illness. Some pain is emotional, imposed by friends and foes or rising from our own fears or frustrations. Whether the hurt is real or imagined, it still hurts and usually is associated with some kind of loss. A. Different in kind (physical, emotional) B. Different in degree (pain threshold) C. Some...

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